✨Durva Ashtami - दूर्वा अष्टमी

Durva Ashtami is a Hindu ritual dedicated to the worship of Durva grass, which has special spiritual and medicinal significance in the Hindu tradition. The day is particularly associated with Lord Ganesha, who is offered Durva (a type of sacred grass) during prayers.

Key details about Durva Ashtami:
Durva Ashtami falls on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the Moon) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in August or September. The deity worshipped is Lord Ganesha, although some regions also associate this ritual with Goddess Durga or Shakti. On the day of Durva Ashtami, offer 21 leaves of Durva grass to Lord Ganesha while chanting mantras. The number 21 is symbolic in Ganesh Puja.

Significance of Durva Ashtami:
❀ According to Hindu mythology, Durva grass emerged during the Samudra manthan (churning of the ocean) and is considered sacred.
❀ There is also a legend that during the Samudra Manthan, on the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapad month, Lord Vishnu took the Kurma avatar (tortoise). By taking the Kurma avatar, Lord Vishnu held the Mandarachal mountain. During this time, grass grew on Earth from his hair.
❀ Offering Durva to Lord Ganesha removes obstacles and brings good health and prosperity.
❀ Durva grass (Cynodon dactylon) is believed to have cooling and purifying properties.

How to observe Durva Ashtami rituals:
❀ Take a bath and purify yourself early in the morning.
❀ Clean the puja place and install an idol or picture of Lord Ganesha.
❀ Prepare the offerings, especially 21 leaves of Durva grass, modaks, fruits and flowers.
❀ Recite Ganesh Stotra or Durva Ashtami Vrat Katha (story).
❀ Offer Durva grass while chanting Ganesh mantras.
❀ Perform aarti and distribute prasad.

Where Durva Ashtami is observed:
Durva Ashtami is especially popular in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha and South India. Devotees often observe fast on this day.

Updated: Jul 08, 2025 17:53 PM